Washington DC Trip Recap
From February 2nd through 5th, Bill Walters, Michelle Badders, and Jacob Thomas of the East Central Indiana Regional Planning District traveled to Washington, D.C., to meet with federal partners and provide updates on the developments in the communities we serve. On February 3rd, they met with several federal agencies to discuss what ECI has been working on and future funding opportunities.
Economic Development Administration (EDA)
On February 3rd, ECI met with representatives from the Economic Development Administration to discuss the region’s recently completed and board-adopted Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). The CEDS outlines regional economic conditions and identifies projects eligible for Economic Development Administration (EDA) funding. This meeting was a key step in ensuring ECIRPD’s priorities align with those of the EDA.
The team also discussed the EDA Disaster Supplemental Grant Program, which is an aviation project with Marion Aviation, Indiana Wesleyan University, and the city of Marion. This project involves the expansion of a new facility to support the continued growth of the pilot program and the development of an aviation maintenance program. The EDA expressed strong support for this project.
United States Department of Transportation (USDOT)
During the meetings with the U.S Department of Transportation, ECI discussed the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) and emphasized the importance of sustaining this funding opportunity for rural communities. ECI is preparing to pursue implementation funding under this program in the near future.
Additionally, the team reviewed the RTA pilot program, a culvert inventory planning grant helping Jay, Grant, Blackford, and Delaware counties. ECI has submitted its application and is currently awaiting a funding decision.
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
ECI met with USDA representatives regarding the closeout of the Business Enterprise Services & Training (BEST) #6 Grant and expressed interest in applying for the next round of BEST funding once applications reopen.
Merchant McIntyre
ECI also met with Merchant McIntyre, a federal consulting firm that provided guidance on navigating federal programs and assists with grant strategy. They assist us in all our federal grants.
Each agency provided valuable feedback and guidance on advancing these endeavors. While in Washington, ECI also met with federal partners on Capitol Hill to present a 2025 recap, highlighting completed projects and ongoing efforts. Federal partners expressed continued support, including offers of letters of support and assistance where needed.
On February 4th, ECI met with different Senators and Congressmen to provide updates on the organization’s accomplishments in 2025 and regional priorities. We extend our appreciation to Senator Todd Young, Senator Jim Banks, and Congressman Marlin Stutzman, as well as their offices and staff, in addition to representatives from the U.S. Department of Transportation, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Economic Development Administration, and Merchant McIntyre for their time, feedback, and continued partnership.